Police in John Moores student bus death photo plea

POLICE investigating the death of a Liverpool John Moores student who was hit by a bus while chasing a thief who stole his phone want to trace a man whose photo was sent from the victim’s BlackBerry four days after he died.

POLICE investigating the death of a Liverpool John Moores student who was hit by a bus while chasing a thief who stole his phone want to trace a man whose photo was sent from the victim’s BlackBerry four days after he died.

David Schofield, 21, was hit by a bus after vaulting over a metal railing to pursue the thief – possibly riding a BMX bike – who swiped the handset on Oxford Road, Manchester, on September 10.

Four days after his death, one of Mr Schofield’s female friends noticed his profile had disappeared from her BlackBerry Messenger service, as though it had been deleted.

When she sent a message asking to be added as a friend she received a response saying her request had been received, and a picture of a man who was referred to as “Barry” appeared.

When the girl, who lives in Wales, replied explaining about Mr Schofield’s death, she was deleted as a friend and her number was blocked from contacting Mr Schofield’s phone through Messenger.

Detective Inspector Andy Naismith, investigating the death of Mr Schofield, who was from Hyde, Greater Manchester, said: “David was a bright young man with a very promising future and his death has devastated his family and friends.

“The man in this picture may have nothing to do with it, but it would only be right for us to talk to him.

“If it’s someone you recognise, contact us.”

A 19-year-old man was arrested on September 13 on suspicion of theft and bailed until October 5.

Anyone with information should contact North Manchester CID on 0161 856 3543 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.